Christmas was coming and Elizabeth was trying to decide how she wanted to celebrate it. Jack was only able to get a couple of days off because the cadets were reporting back to training for winter maneuvers. He had been planning on flying home to spend the holiday with her but she had a different idea. She was going to be off for two weeks beginning December 20th. He wouldn't be coming home until Christmas Eve day. After debating about it for a long time, she decided to book a flight for herself to go to Toronto and surprise him. She didn't mind spending Christmas away from home as long as she was with him. She planned on staying for her entire holiday break even though she knew she wouldn't see much of him. Just being with him at night would be better than him coming home for a couple of days, then have to return with her spending her vacation home alone.

The day finally arrived. Elizabeth hardly slept the night before. It was a good thing she book her flight for later in the afternoon. She was hoping to get to the hotel before he returned so she could surprise him in the lobby. The day went by slowly; she had her bag packed and was ready to go to the airport by noon time. She got to the airport and entered the line to check her bags. While she was waiting, she felt her cell phone going off. She pulled it out and saw Jack had texted her, asking her if she was OK. She slipped it back in her bag, deciding to text him back when she got to her gate. She felt her phone go off again a few more times before she got to her gate. She wondered what he was thinking to be texting her that much.

After she settled down in a seat at her gate, she pulled her phone out to respond to Jack. She was about to type out a message when her phone rang. It was Jack. "Hi, Jack!" She heard him let out a huge breath.

"Elizabeth, I have been trying to get in touch with you for a half an hour. Why haven't you been responding to my texts? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Jack. What makes you think something is wrong?"

"I know it sounds crazy but I have this feeling something is up with you. I'm not sure why though."

Elizabeth was about to answer him when over the intercom an announcement about a flight could be heard. She cringed, knowing Jack was bound to have heard it.

"Elizabeth, what's going on? Are you at an airport?"

Elizabeth knew she had to tell him. "Busted. I was going to surprise you for Christmas, Jack. I booked a flight to Toronto so we could spend Christmas and the next two weeks together, even if we are only together at night." She waited for Jack to respond. When he didn't, she began to wonder if she made a mistake. Finally she heard him take a breath.

"You were going to surprise me by coming here for Christmas?" He sounded choked up, like he was crying. "Elizabeth Thornton, you are the best wife any man could ever have and I love you, so much. What a wonderful Christmas present! Thank you!"

"I'm glad. For a moment I thought you didn't want me to come."

"Why would I ever turn down time to spend with my beautiful wife? What time does your flight come in? I want to meet you at the airport."

"That's sweet of you, but you don't have to. I was just going to take a cab to your hotel."

"I know I don't have to. I want to. Now that I know you are coming, I am going to be anxious waiting for you. I would just end up pacing the floor waiting for you. Please let me pick you up at the airport."

"Ok, then. That would be very nice. Do you have a pen and paper handy? I will give you my flight info."

"Hold on." There was a pause while he got a pen and piece of paper. "Go ahead, Elizabeth." She gave him the info. "I am so excited. I can't wait to see you in a couple of hours, Sweetheart."

"I can't wait to be in your arms again, My Love." She said as the first announcement of her flight was called. "I have to go, Jack. They are calling my flight. I love you."

"I love you, too. See you soon."

A couple of hours later, the plane landed in Toronto. Elizabeth's heart started beating faster, not from the landing but from knowing she would be seeing Jack in just a few minutes. As she waited for the door of the plane to open, she found herself getting frustrated. She just wanted to see Jack and feel his arms around her. Finally the passengers in the rows in front of her started to move, she grabbed her purse, carryon bag and her coat and made her wait to the terminal. As she paused to put on her coat, she realized that she and Jack never said where they would meet each other in the airport. She decided to go to baggage claim, figuring he might be there waiting for her and if he wasn't she would call him.

She was almost to the escalator to go to baggage claim when she heard her name being called. She looked up to see Jack rushing towards her. She quickened her step to meet him. "Jack!" She ran into his arms, dropping her bag and gave her husband a big hug.

"Elizabeth!" Jack whispered in her ear. "I can't believe you're here." He pulled away from her slightly to give her a tender kiss. "Let's go get your bag and then we can go to the hotel." He took her carryon from her and put his arm around her.

"That's sounds great. I am tired. I didn't sleep well last night because I was so excited about my surprise for you. I did take a short nap on the plane."

"That's good. You need your rest. How have you been feeling? How's our precious little one?"

"I have been feeling much better and the baby is doing just fine, according to the doctor a couple of days ago. I am eating regular meals now."

"That's great. I'm so relieved. It's been hard being here knowing you are home pregnant. I worry about you constantly." They arrived at the carousal to wait for her bag. "Are you hungry? I haven't eaten dinner yet if you want to go someplace to eat. The restaurant in the hotel is very good. The quality of the food and the portion sizes make the higher prices worth it. When I eat there I usually end up taking food back up to my room. Since it has a full kitchen, it's easy to heat up the food. Or if you want to get settled in my room right away and order room service." He give her a look that she knew meant he wanted her to say room service. He wanted to be alone with her just as much as she wanted to be with him.

"Room service sounds great. I would love to get ready for bed when we get to your room. I have noticed my clothes starting to get a bit tight. I am going to do some shopping while you are at work."

Jack squeezed her shoulder. "How do you feel about that?"

"Honestly, I thought I would be upset about it but I wasn't. I am very happy. It means our baby is growing. I decided to embrace being pregnant and all that it entails. I just hope I still feel that way when I am 9 months along and as big as a house." She giggled and looked up at him with her sparkling blue eyes.

"That's a great attitude to have." He looked around the terminal while they waited for her suitcase. He noticed the area did not have too many people around so he gave her a quick kiss. "Elizabeth, you are so beautiful. More beautiful than I remembered."

Elizabeth felt tears form in her eyes as she looked up into his velvety brown eyes. A tear fell down her check, which Jack wiped away with his thumb. "Thank you, Jack." She said as she heard luggage start to come down the carousal. When she spotted her bag, she stepped forward to grab it but Jack held her back.

"Let me get if for you, Sweetheart. You shouldn't be picking up heavy things." He quickly got the bag. "Do you have any other suitcases?"

"No. I was able to get everything I needed into this one bag and still had room to spare."

"Great! Let's get going." He put his arm back around her as they made their way outside. "I can't wait to be alone with you." He whispered in her ear. She felt a shiver go up and down her spine. Once outside, Jack hailed a taxi and helped her into the car. When he got in, he pulled her closer to him. She rested her head on his shoulder for the ride to the hotel.

She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, Jack was nudging her shoulder and whispering in her to wake up. "Wow! I must be more tired than I should. Not to mention I felt so comfortable with my head on your shoulder again."

Jack kissed her forehead before getting out of the cab. He helped her out, took her bag from the driver and paid him. "It felt good to have you in my arms and sleeping on my shoulder. I missed holding you so much, among other things I missed about you."

"I feel the same way." They walked into the hotel and Jack led the way to the elevators.

"I picked up a key for you when I left to meet you at the airport. I will give it to you up in our room."

"Ok, thank you." The elevator door opened and they stepped inside. Jack pushed the button for the 10th floor and the doors closed. Jack put his arms around her and held her tightly.

"I know I said this before, but I really missed this and you. So much. I have never felt such loneliness before in all my life." The doors opened and they began walking towards his room.

"I know, Jack. I felt the same way." They reached his room and he pulled out his key to open the door. Once inside with the door shut, Elizabeth turned to him and kissed him, a long, passionate kiss. They type of kiss they had both missed and had been longing for. When they parted they were both out of breath.

Jack leaned down to look into her stunning blue eyes. "I love you, so much! I can't believe you are here. I keep thinking this is a dream and when I wake up, you will be gone."

"If it's a dream, then I am having the same one." She stood on her toes to kiss him again. "I love you, too."

When they parted, Elizabeth got her first look at his room. They were in a living room/kitchen area. She saw a sofa, a couple of chairs and a TV as well as the full kitchen Jack had mentioned and a table. Jack saw her looking around. "Let's go sit at the table and decide what we want for dinner. Then I will bring your bag into the bedroom and you can get settled. It will take a least a half hour for the food to get here."

"Sounds great, Jack." He grabbed her hand and they walked over to the table. Jack handed her the menu to look at first. As she looked at her choices she felt overwhelmed. Now that she had her appetite back, quite a few options sounded delicious. "I can't decide what to have. What do you like?"

"I love their prime rib. I know it's expensive but it's delicious. I also like the stuffed chicken. It has a bread stuffing. The veal cutlet and pork chop are good too."

"The prime rib does sound delicious but I feel like we should save that for Christmas dinner."

"I was thinking the same thing this afternoon after I found out you were going to be with me here for Christmas."

"Great, something to look forward too. So for dinner tonight I will get the stuffed chicken."

"I am going to have the pork chop. What would you like to drink? They actually have decaf ice tea on the menu."

"Really? I don't think I have ever seen a restaurant have decaf ice tea."

"We can order a pitcher and if there is any left we can put it in the fridge."

"Sounds perfect."

Jack picked up the phone and called in the order. "They are busy tonight. It could take closer to an hour for the food to arrive. Can you wait that long to eat because if not I do have some food in the fridge if you want a little snack."

"I'm good actually good for the moment. I would like to unpack and change into more comfortable clothes."

"Of course." Jack wheeled her bag into the bedroom and put it on the bed for her.

She followed him in and looked around the room. It was a large room with a king sized bed and a big screen TV. She walked to the bathroom and found it had a tub large enough for two to enjoy and relax in. Jack followed her in.

"I would love to take a bath with you later, before we go to bed." He put his arms around her waist and rested his hand on her abdomen. "Elizabeth? Is that what I think it is?" He was running a hand over her slightly rounded belly.

She turned in his arms until she was facing him. "Yes, it is Jack." She had tears in her eyes.

He looked down at her as a tear escaped his eye and fell down his cheek. "I can't believe it! You have a little baby bump! When did you notice it?"

"A couple of days ago. I already had this trip planned so I decided to keep it to myself."

He hugged her. "I love you and our baby so much. It's amazing to me the love I feel for you both. I feel like my heart is going to burst sometimes."

"Oh, Jack! That was beautiful. I feel the same way." He kissed her then, both of them relishing the moment. When they parted, he grabbed her hand and started walking out of the bathroom. "Let's get you unpacked and comfortable."

She nodded and went to the bed to open her suitcase. Jack changed out of his work clothes and into sweatpants and a t-shirt. It no time, Elizabeth was done and changing into a pair leggings and a long sleeved t-shirt. She felt Jack's eyes on her while she undressed. She knew he was trying to see her baby bump. She looked over at him and cocked her head, motioning him to come to her. He was there in a flash and began pulling her shirt over her head. He then kneeled down so he was eye level with her abdomen. He pushed the waistband of her pants down a little and looked at the slight curve of her belly. He leaned in and kissed her belly. "I love you, Baby Thornton." He then stood up and pulled her into his embrace. When they parted once again, he reached for her sleep shirt and pulled it over her head. He was about to help her with her pants when they head a knock at their door.

"That must be dinner." Jack said then walked out of the bedroom.

Elizabeth finished getting comfortable, ran a brush through her hair and then walked out to join him. She breathed in the scent of their dinner and her stomach growled. They both laughed, then Jack reached out his hand, beckoning her towards him. She took his hand and walked over to the table. He helped her get settled at the table, then picked up the cover that was on her plate. The chicken smelled fabulous. It came with roasted potatoes and carrots. "This looks so good." Elizabeth said as she picked up her knife and fork and began eating.

Jack poured her a glass of tea, then took his seat and grinned at her. He was happy she had found her appetite again. They ate in silence for several minutes. "I may get the day off of work tomorrow." Jack told her.

"Yes, I saw. I have been watching the weather forecast carefully. At first it sounded like the storm may hit today. I am so glad it didn't."

"Me too." He chuckled. "I have never wanted it to snow so much in my life. Even when I was in school. I would love to just spend the day in bed with you."

"That would be nice but if you do have to go to work tomorrow, we have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to look forward to spending time together."

"That we do."

Jack had been right about the portions. Elizabeth was only able to eat about half of her dinner. She picked up her plate to bring it to the fridge. When she opened the door, she spotted what looked like chocolate mousse sitting on one of the shelves. "Jack Thornton, what did you do?" She looked over at him and smiled.

"Their chocolate mousse is fabulous. I thought you might enjoy having it for dessert."

"I would actually. I can't recall the last time I had it. Thank you."

"We don't have to have it tonight."

"I know." She placed her plate on another shelf then noticed a full carton of milk. "You got milk for me too? He wasn't a big milk drinker, preferring only to have it in his cereal.

"Yes I did. I have been reading up on pregnancy too and I read it was important for you to have dairy products. Plus I know how much you like to have a glass of milk before bed."

"You think of everything, My Love. Thank you."

Jack stood from the table to bring his dinner to the fridge. After he closed the door, he gently picked her up and made his way to the bedroom. "Anything for you and our baby, Sweetheart. Let's get into bed and cuddle. I desperately want to hold you all night long, for the rest of our lives." He placed her on the bed and pulled back the covers, allowing her to get settled.

"I would love to." She said as he joined her. They held each other for several minutes, just enjoying being in each other's arms.

"Would you like to watch some TV? There is a channel here that has been showing all Christmas movies and specials. White Christmas is on." Jack told her, knowing it was her favorite Christmas movie. He thought to himself it was strange he had never watched it with her before.

"I would love to watch it with you."

Jack reached for the remote and turned the TV on, then found the station to watch the movie. They stayed in each other's arms all night, only separating when Elizabeth decided she wanted dessert. They shared the chocolate mousse and still were not able to finish it because it was so rich. Jack loved listening to her sign along with the movie. He loved her voice. He even joined in at the end singing the title song. It was a perfect ending to their happy evening.

I originally planned for this story to take place in the spring, but inspiration hit with the holiday season and I decided to change it. White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie. Next chapter will be about their time in Toronto together.